At a time when parochial attitudes based on languages are creating rifts in some parts of India, Parthiv Gohil, a fast rising star among the new crop of playback singers in Bollywood, has come out with a novel concept to bridge the gap between the diverse cultures in India.
Parthiv captivated a packed house at the Al Falaj Hotel's Le Grand Hall in Muscat with his concert Dosti (Friendship) in which he sang songs in three languages but with identical themes and thoughts behind the songs.
Mother Tongue
He sang in his mother tongue Gujarati, in popular Bhojpuri (which is spoken in northern India) and in Hindi (India's national language).
The show hosted by the Indian social club, Gujarati Wing, was held together by Ankit Trivedi, who analysed Dosti (Friendship) giving it a much wider perspective.
Leading Mumbai-based producer Ajit Shah brought together a team of nine versatile musicians that provided wholesome entertainment. The common message between different languages and cultures was conveyed aptly.
Nostalgia
There was nostalgia as he sang old songs like Laaga Chunri mein Daag in Hindi and the five-decade-old Gujarati song Taari Aankh no Afini as well as something for younger generations as he rendered Bhige Hoth Tere and the title song from Saawariya.
Explaining the concept of the show, he said: "I feel that the younger generation is losing touch with our national languages, including their mother tongue, so I, as a Gujarati, have developed a concert where we can showcase music of our own language (Gujarati), as well as the national language (Hindi).”
Outstanding
Mridula Desai was outstanding as one of two female singers with Parthiv. Her energy level was infectious and got the audience swaying in time. Arunima Bhattacharya sang Gujarati songs with perfect diction.
If the singing was of a high quality, then the musicians were not far behind. Renowned Indian flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia's disciple Sandeep Kulkarni caught the attention of the learned audience as someone said: "His rendition of flute reminded one of Pandit Hariprasad.”
Talented
The programme compere Ankit Joshi said that Raj Raninga could play tunes on a typewriter. Raj conducted the entire orchestra deftly while moving his fingers on the keyboard to produce various sound effects as well as playing other instuments. Shomik Prasad on guitar, Hitesh Prasad on tabla, Hemal Manraja on percussion and Jatin Pansania on Octopad provided the perfect accompaniment.
The message was Dosti (Friendship) between different cultures and each member of Parthiv's team symbolised
that by speaking a different language.
